795.00/11–2350: Telegram
The United States Representative at the United Nations (Austin) to the Secretary of State
priority
[Received November 23—2:41 p. m.]
875. For Hickerson and Rusk from Gross. Re Korea—demilitarized zone.
I showed Jebb last night message to Embassy re UK proposals for demilitarized zone in Korea.1 On basis discussion with Jebb, it appears a misunderstanding arose between Department and UK Government regarding procedures British had in mind for publicly raising question. In response to question, Jebb insisted not only that [Page 1216] he had received no instruction from Bevin to raise matter in Security Council at this time, but that Jebb himself realized that in view of vague and formless nature of British proposal at the present moment, there was not much to discuss publicly. Jebb said he, himself, had strongly objected to draft resolution originally outlined by Foreign Office, believing resolution already tabled by six SC members should not be subjected to amendment at this time. I asked for and received assurance from Jebb that latter would under no circumstances raise question in SC without prior notice to me and opportunity for discussion. Jebb professed his sole interest, and he thought this was also true of Bevin, was to keep an eye open to see whether at some appropriate stage question of demilitarized zone might be interjected into the SC proceedings in some appropriate manner.
I received impression that UK idea of what is appropriate may be different from ours. Accordingly, recommend Department advise British Embassy that we understand we have commitment from Jebb for prior discussion before latter raises question in SC.
It appears from what Jebb said that he has been closely tied in with British Embassy and UK Foreign Office on all discussions regarding this matter, despite impression of Department that matter was primarily being handled in Washington between Department and British Embassy. Accordingly we strongly recommend we be kept as closely informed on current developments as possible in whatever manner Department thinks appropriate. [Gross.]